Building on the strong international NATO cooperation within the Ground Based domain, as well as strategic bi-lateral defence ties, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has signed an agreement with the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) for the acquisition of five Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radars (GM200 MM/C). The agreement also includes an option for three additional systems.
Troops today face a multitude of ever-evolving threats in the battlefield, including advancements in the area of indirect fire (observation, range, speed, accuracy), threatening a radars’ capacity to detect targets in a very short time span while potentially becoming a target itself. To protect high-value assets and troops, Thales offers time-on-target solutions from the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission family – radars that are able to detect smaller, faster, more agile targets at longer ranges, while retaining a very high tactical mobility and a very short deployment time.
This first ever Government-to-Government contract between the countries will provide the Norwegian and Netherlands Armed Forces with a common radar platform for further collaboration in the areas of threat assessment. The GM200 MM/C radar is designed for the modern battlefield, with operational excellence and military doctrine development in mind. Both parties will benefit from the latest in software defined radar technology, enabling future upgrades and capabilities expansion to manage the ever-evolving spectrum of future threats.
The GM200 MM/C is one of most flexible radars on the market today, offering radar operators with more time-on-target in order to gather as much information on incoming threats as possible. Featuring new-generation 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, a unique ‘dual-axis multi-beam’ providing unrestricted flexibility in elevation and bearing, it offers excellent theatre protection. The radar automatically detects, tracks and classifies multiple UAVs, RAM (Rockets, Artillery, Mortar), missiles, aircraft, helicopters and is particularly suited to weapon locating, air surveillance and air defense. In addition, the compact design of the GM200 MM/C provides extremely high mobility, very short deployment times and ease of transportation on any platform.
“This is a very important milestone in the close military cooperation between Norway and the Netherlands. This agreement will provide the Norwegian Armed Forces with a new artillery location system with sufficient protection, mobility, range and accuracy to be able to be used in all types of operations both nationally and internationally.” Rear Admiral Bjørge Aase, Deputy Director General in Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
“The procurement of the MMR by Norway creates a common radar platform that can be further developed by the Norwegian and Netherlands forces based on threat evaluation and doctrine development. Both countries benefit from the software-based radar that enables upgrades and performance enhancements in order to counter future threats, such as drones.” Netherlands Defence Materiel Organization.
“This is a historic moment on two levels. Firstly, it reinforces the strong bilateral strategic defence cooperation between Norway and the Netherlands. Secondly, this contract represents the first NL MOD G2G support to the Dutch defence industry and in particular Thales. We hope this model is the blueprint for more G2G projects in the future.” Gerben Edelijn, CEO Thales Netherlands
